This international collaboration aims to understand a new problem in the field of self-assembly: self-assembly of particles that reconfigure. We envision a tag-team approach between synthetic developments in the Japanese laboratory, and physical exploration of assembly in the U.S. laboratory.

DUAN PENGFEI, Nobuhiro Yanai, Yuki Kurashige, Nobuo Kimizuka, Aggregation-Induced Photon Upconversion through Control of theTriplet Energy Landscapes of the Solution and Solid States, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 54, 7554-7549, 2015.05, [URL], Aggregation-induced photon upconversion (iPUC) based on control of the triplet energy landscape is demonstrated for the first time. When a triplet state of a cyano-substituted 1,4-distyrylbenzene derivative is sensitized in solution, no upconverted emission based on triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA) was observed. In stark contrast, crystalline solids obtained by drying the solution revealed clear upconverted emission. Theoretical studies unveiled an underlying switching mechanism: the excited triplets in solution immediately decay back to the ground state through conformational twisting around a C[DOUBLE BOND]C bond and photoisomerization, whereas this deactivation path is effectively inhibited in the solid state. The finding of iPUC phenomena highlights the importance of controlling excited energy landscapes in condensed molecular systems..

Melinda Sindoro, Nobuhiro Yanai, Ah-Young Jee, Steve Granick, Collidal-sized Metal-Organic Frameworks: Synthesis and Applications, Acc. Chem. Res., 10.1021/ar400151n, 47, 459-469, 2013.12, Colloidal metalorganic frameworks (CMOFs), nanoporous colloidal-sized crystals that are uniform in both size and polyhedral shape, are crystals composed of metal ions and organic bridging ligands, which can be used as building blocks for self-assembly in organic and aqueous liquids. They stand in contrast to conventional metalorganic frameworks (MOFs), which scientists normally study in the form of bulk crystalline powders. However, powder MOFs generally have random crystal size and shape and therefore do not possess either a definite mutual arrangement with adjacent particles or uniformity. CMOFs do have this quality, which can be important in vital uptake and release kinetics. In this Account, we present the diverse methods of synthesis, pore chemistry control, surface modification, and assembly techniques of CMOFs. In addition, we survey recent achievements and future applications in this emerging field. There is potential for a paradigm shift, away from using just bulk crystalline powders, towards using particles whose size and shape are regulated. The concept of colloidal MOFs takes into account that nanoporous MOFs, conventionally prepared in the form of bulk crystalline powders with random crystal size, shape, and orientation, may also form colloidal-sized objects with uniform size and morphology. Furthermore, the traditional MOF functions that depend on porosity present additional control over those MOF functions that depend on pore interactions. They also can enable controlled spatial arrangements between neighboring particles. To begin, we discuss progress regarding synthesis of MOF nano- and microcrystals whose crystal size and shape are wellregulated. Next, we review the methods to modify the surfaces with dye molecules and polymers. Dyes are useful when seeking to observe nonluminescent CMOFs in situ by optical microscopy, while polymers are useful to tune their interparticle interactions. Third, we discuss criteria to assess the stability of CMOFs for various applications. In another section of this Account, we give examples of supracrystal assembly in liquid, on substrates, at interfaces, and under external electric fields. We end this Account with discussion of possible future developments, both conceptual and technological..

2014.04, I mentored master and undergraduate students to accomplish the outstanding scientific findings. The results of this research guidance was highly evaluated, as evidenced by the awards of master students in the national conference of coordination chemistry and workshop of polymer society in Kyushu. I organized Kyushu University-UIUC Kickoff Meeting of ICC Program for Synthesis and Assembly of Reconfigurable Nanocrystals, and brought 5 master students to there. This gave great chances for the students to give presentations in English, discuss in English, and communicate with foreign young researchers, which helped them to construct international research network among young researchers..